EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) participated in a special event at the Sand and Spur Riding Club on Sept. 28, 2024, bringing connection, relaxation, and healing to those in attendance.
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Approximately 35 families participated in the free event, which allowed participants to experience horses’ calming and confidence-building benefits. The EFMP, a Department of Defense program, provides essential resources to military families with special needs.
“Our goal is to create a space where these families can relax, engage, and experience the therapeutic value that horses bring,” said Capt. Lauren Painter, Sand Spur Social chair and Reservist intelligence officer.
“This is a great event to bring families and the community together.”
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Attendees enjoyed the therapeutic aspects and experienced a deep sense of belonging within the supportive community.
“I love this event because it is a sensory-friendly activity that benefits children with autism and related disabilities, and it also has a therapeutic component,” said Johnathan McDaniel, EFMP director at the 96th Force Support Squadron’s Military Family Readiness Center.
“This is our third event, and we plan to continue offering it twice a year.”
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The Sand and Spur Riding Club‘s history dates back to the 1960s. It remains one of the few horse stables on an active-duty base.
The stables are cared for by volunteers who maintain the property and look after the privately owned horses.
Organizers are eager to continue providing these meaningful experiences for EFMP families and encourage volunteers and donors to contact event coordinator Fred Storner at sandnspur.president@gmail.com.
Original story By Michelle Gigante
